The MaRACAS Study

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    An observational case control study to identify the role of Microvesicles (MV) and MV derived microRNA (miRNA) in post cardiac surgery Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): The MaRACAS Study

  • IRAS ID

    138419

  • Contact name

    Gavin Murphy

  • Contact email

    gjm19@le.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Leicester

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 11 months, 30 days

  • Research summary

    Acute kidney injury (AKI) complicates over 25% of cardiac surgical procedures where it increases mortality up to fourfold. The incidence of AKI is increasing, the pathogenesis is poorly understood, current diagnostic tests lack specificity and sensitivity, and there is no effective treatment. Improving outcomes in patients at risk of AKI has recently been defined as an NHS priority. The primary aim of this study is to determine how plasma derived microvesicles (MV) or more specifically MV associated microRNAs (miRNA) regulate survival and signalling in post cardiac surgery AKI. The study involves a clinical and experimental research project that will combine laboratory analyses of circulating MV and miRNA from clinical studies. The study will specifically consider how MV and miRNA alter inflammatory signaling in kidneys after cardiac surgery, how these are modified by important clinical risk factors, and whether they may serve as early biomarkers of injury.

  • REC name

    East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    13/EM/0383

  • Date of REC Opinion

    24 Oct 2013

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion